NFL: Cowboys pass on Manziel, take OL from Notre Dame -UPDATED

Tom Orsborn | San Antonio Express-News

Published 4:16 pm, Thursday, May 8, 2014

Photo: David Zalubowski

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FILE - In this Oct. 26, 2013, file photo, Notre Dame offensive tackle Zack Martin looks to block against Air Force during the third quarter of an NCAA football game at the Air Force Academy, Colo. Martin was selected in the first round, 16th overall, by the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL draft on Thursday, May 8, 2014. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) less

FILE - In this Oct. 26, 2013, file photo, Notre Dame offensive tackle Zack Martin looks to block against Air Force during the third quarter of an NCAA football game at the Air Force Academy, Colo. Martin was ... more

Photo: David Zalubowski

NFL: Cowboys pass on Manziel, take OL from Notre Dame -UPDATED

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IRVING - Jerry Jones passed on Johnny Manziel to make a Romo-friendly pick.

With the 16th overall choice in the NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys selected Notre Dame offensive lineman Zack Martin on Thursday night, a substance-over-style move that signaled Jones listened closely to his scouts and coaches rather than follow his wildcatter instincts.

And, of course, it underscored the owner's devotion to Tony Romo.

"By contract, as well as by commitment, Romo is going to be the Cowboys quarterback for many years to come," Jones said.

The safe move undoubtedly disappointed fans who wanted Jones to take the charismatic Manziel. Projected by analysts as a top-10 pick, the Kerrville Tivy and Texas A&M alumnus was still available when Dallas was on the clock.

But Jones said drafting Manziel was never a consideration. According to the owner, the Cowboys had only four players in mind: UCLA defensive end Anthony Barr, who went to Minnesota at No. 9; Pittsburgh defensive tackle Aaron Donald, who St. Louis selected 13th; Ohio State linebacker Ryan Shazier, who Pittsburgh took at No. 15; and Martin.

With the defensive players gone, Jones focused on helping Romo, who received a six-year, $108 million contract extension last season that included a club-record $55 million guaranteed.

"Tony has everything to do with this decision," Jones said. "We have a big commitment to Tony. There is no way any quarterback comes in here and beats out Tony Romo."

Cleveland wound up taking Manziel with the 22nd pick. Told he likely will forever be known as the player the Cowboys selected instead of Manziel, Martin said confidently, "That's fine by me. I can live up to that.

"I couldn't be happier to be part of this great, storied organization."

While the safe decision stunned those who believed Jones coveted Manziel for his marketing value, it has the potential to solidify the Cowboys offensive line for years to come.

"The fact we got Romo more protection (is important)," Jones said.

A 6-foot-4, 308-pound Indianapolis native, Martin likely will start at right guard next season, joining a unit that already has a Pro Bowl left tackle in Tyron Smith and a potential Pro Bowl center in Travis Frederick. But after playing left tackle most of his college career, Martin could move to right tackle after Doug Free's contract expires after the 2015 season.

"One of my biggest strengths is my versatility," Martin said from his home in Indianapolis. "I'm willing to play anything."

With the 34-year-old Romo's history of back problems, including a herniated disk that required surgery last December, it's imperative Dallas has a strong offensive line.

The Cowboys have selected offensive linemen in the first round three of the past four years after Jones did not pick an offensive lineman in the first round from 1989-2010. Dallas selected Smith ninth overall out of Southern Cal in 2011 and Frederick 31st out of Wisconsin in 2013.

"We believe the games in the NFL are won up front," Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said. "We did that when we won championships in the 90s. You need to build the infrastructure of your team."